
Key Questions for Intended Parents to Ask About Surrogacy

Tessa Coffey
Considering a surrogate pregnancy? These are the key questions intended parents should ask before beginning this process.
If you’re new to surrogacy, you likely have many questions about how the process works, what to expect, and how to prepare. Asking the right questions can help you feel confident and informed as you take the first steps toward building your family through surrogacy. Below, we break down some key topics to explore as an intended parent.
How Do I Start the Process?
Understanding the steps of surrogacy is essential before beginning your journey. The first step in the process of surrogacy is understanding what’s involved. It’s important to begin by finding a reputable surrogacy agency to help guide you through the steps of surrogacy. This can involve selecting a surrogate, going through medical screenings, and signing legal contracts. At Northwest Surrogacy Center, we provide comprehensive support for intended parents every step of the way, ensuring that you understand the process and have the support you need. The process of surrogacy typically includes the following:
1. Choosing a Surrogacy Agency
A trusted agency, like Northwest Surrogacy Center, will guide you through every step, from matching with a surrogate to legal and medical coordination.
2. Matching with a Surrogate
The agency carefully screens and selects a surrogate who aligns with your values and preferences.
3. Legal Agreements
Surrogacy agreements ensure clarity regarding parental rights, financial arrangements, and expectations.
4. Medical Process & Pregnancy
After medical and psychological evaluations, the embryo transfer takes place, followed by routine prenatal care.
5. Birth & Beyond
Once your surrogate baby delivery takes place, the necessary legal steps are completed to establish your parental rights.
For a deeper dive into the surrogacy process, check out Important Steps in Gestational Surrogacy.
What Expenses Should I Expect?
The cost of a surrogate pregnancy can vary, and it’s essential to understand the financial commitments involved. One of the most common questions intended parents have is who pays for a surrogate pregnancy? Typically, intended parents are responsible for all costs associated with the surrogacy, which can include the surrogate’s compensation, medical expenses, legal fees, insurance, and any additional support services. These costs can add up, so it’s important to budget accordingly. In most cases, intended parents cover:
- Medical and legal fees
- Surrogate compensation
- Pregnancy-related expenses, such as maternity clothing and travel costs
- Insurance coverage and medical bills
Every surrogacy journey is unique, and costs can vary depending on factors like location, legal requirements, and medical needs. Your surrogacy agency will provide a clear financial breakdown so you can plan accordingly.
At Northwest Surrogacy Center, we help intended parents navigate these financial aspects and provide transparency about what costs are covered throughout the surrogacy process. While costs can vary depending on several factors, our team is here to answer any questions and ensure you have a clear understanding of what to expect financially.
How Will the Birth Plan Be Developed and Managed?
One of the most significant moments in the surrogacy journey is the surrogate baby delivery. It’s important to have a clear birth plan in place, and that plan should be developed in collaboration with your surrogate, case manager, medical professionals, and your legal team. At Northwest Surrogacy Center, we prioritize open communication to make sure the birth plan aligns with your vision as intended parents while also respecting the surrogate’s preferences and medical guidelines. The surrogate baby delivery process is carefully planned and typically includes:
- The surrogate’s preferred birthing location
- Who will be present in the delivery room
- How the baby will be handed off to the intended parents
- Medical preferences, such as pain management or C-section considerations
This birth plan is an essential part of the surrogacy process, ensuring that everyone involved is on the same page regarding the delivery, hospital arrangements, and post-delivery care. We’re here to help guide you through the creation and management of this plan, making sure it’s in line with your vision for welcoming your child into the world. Clear communication and preparation help ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved.
What Support Services Are Available for Intended Parents?
Surrogacy is an emotional and sometimes challenging journey, which is why it’s essential to have access to support for intended parents throughout the entire process. At Northwest Surrogacy Center, we provide a variety of support services to ensure intended parents are not alone during this journey. From counseling services and legal advice to matching you with the right surrogate, we’re here to offer support and guidance every step of the way.
Emotional and logistical support can make all the difference in your surrogacy journey. Many agencies, including Northwest Surrogacy Center, offer support for intended parents such as:
- Guidance from surrogacy specialists
- Legal and financial resources
- Counseling services
- Connections with other intended parents
Navigating surrogacy can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, you’ll have the reassurance and knowledge you need to focus on what matters most— welcoming your child into the world.
For more insights, check out our blog on Common Questions from Intended Parents.
Conclusion
The surrogacy journey is a life-changing and meaningful process filled with hope, connection, and the joy of creating a family. However, it also involves many uncertainties and important decisions along the way. By asking the right questions and working with a trusted agency, you can gain the clarity, confidence, and support needed to navigate each step with ease.
At Northwest Surrogacy Center, we understand the significance of this journey and are committed to making your experience as smooth and fulfilling as possible. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through every stage, ensuring that you feel informed, supported, and prepared for the incredible path ahead.
If you’re ready to explore surrogacy further or have additional questions, we encourage you to reach out. Whether you’re just beginning to consider surrogacy or you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help make your surrogacy journey a positive and successful one.
Don’t hesitate to contact us, we’d love to be a part of your journey toward parenthood!
Ready to see if you qualify as a surrogate?
If you are a healthy, nonsmoking woman between the ages of 21 and 41 years old and have had previous healthy, full-term pregnancies, we would love to hear from you!
Ready to take the first step to parenthood?
Schedule a free consultation with our team to answer your questions and discuss the surrogacy process, including matching times and costs.